|22 December 2016|
Scotland
Renewable energy is now – for the first time – Scotland’s biggest electricity generator.
A world leader in sustainable energy, with some of Europe’s best wind and tidal resources, renewable sources provided the equivalent of 59.4% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2015 – up from 49.9% in 2014, smashing the 50% target set for 2015 by the Scottish Government.
Scotland’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “Today’s figures show that Scotland’s renewable energy sector is stronger than ever and our early adoption of clean, green energy technology and infrastructure was the right thing to do. It is fantastic news that renewables are now, for the first time, Scotland’s biggest electricity generator, and that just under 60 per cent of Scotland’s gross electricity demand could be met by renewables.
“The Scottish Government is a strong driver of a progressive agenda on tackling harmful climate change. Today’s figures show that a low carbon economy is not just a practical way forward, but that Scotland’s clean, green energy resources are playing an increasingly crucial role in the security of Scotland’s energy supply.
“We will set out our plans for future progress towards a secure, sustainable low carbon energy sector in our draft Energy Strategy which is due to be published in January.”
